MINDFULNESS
"Not what we have but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance." Epicurus
What are the things that light you up and excite you more fervently than anything else in your life? Whatever comes to you when you ask yourself that question are signs leading you to your true passion, your most heartfelt desire.
When we heed the call of our deepest desires, we fulfill our true destinies. In our world, we often feel the pull of our passions when we are very young but lose the connection to them through life's conditioning. For many of us, we're taught that we must say good-bye to our passions as we cross the divide between childhood and adulthood. Yet, passion is what drives us to be the very best individuals we can be.
With mindfulness, through meditation or massage, we begin to lose those long-held stories about who we should be and become more intimately re-acquainted with who we really are. We shine brightly as the individuals we were born to be and freely share our gifts with everyone we meet.
Mindful Moment
Set aside one hour today to do something you thoroughly enjoy. (Massage perhaps?) It doesn't matter what it is. . . . whether it's a walk in the woods, reading a good book, or creating a delicious meal. . . do it purely for the joy of the activity. As you settle in for sleep tonight, revisit the experience in your mind, considering why this activity excited you or brought you joy. Set the intention to awake the next day in this same state of mind and heart.
Mindfulness During Massage
During massage, the massage therapist's goal is to remain mindful of what they are feeling in the muscle tissue and remain present for subtle changes. Many massage schools spend a lot of time teaching students ways to do this and it takes practice. What about the person on the table and how you can be mindful while receiving a massage?
The massage room is designed to touch all of your senses so be mindful as you lay down on the table. As you wait for the therapist to re-enter the room use the time to listen to the music, feel the comfort of the table, breathe and let go of the thoughts of day. As thoughts enter your mind acknowledge them but let them pass through your consciousness like clouds drifting in the sky. When the massage begins pay attention to any essential oils used and the area the massage therapist is working. That specific muscle has contracted and worked for you thousands of times over the past weeks. Does it feel sore, tight, or really delicious as it's being massaged? Let tension leave the body with every breath and each muscle worked.
The human body has 656 muscles, all of which originate and insert on two different bones.
Each movement that you complete without a thought about how it happens requires muscle contraction. Your body is an amazing machine that deserves your care and mindfulness A favorite saying of my yoga instructor is "Be mindful of your feet and the thousands of miles they have carried you." Your massage session is the perfect place to practice mindfulness and give back to your body some of what it has done for you every day of your life. What are some of your favorite mindfulness practices?
